The combination of dust, mould, mildew, body sweat, and more makes mattresses the ideal breeding ground for bacterium and dust mites.
We all know how to clean our sheets, but what about cleaning your mattress? If you haven’t cleaned the one thing you sleep on every night, it’s time for a wake-up call.
Mattress cleaning
To clean your mattress effectively, vacuum regularly, use bicarb soda to neutralise odours, beat it outdoors annually, and lightly spritz vinegar to deter bacteria and mould.
How often should you clean your mattress?
Here are a couple of cleaning rules to follow for good bed hygiene:
- Wash your sheets once a week
- Change your pillowcase every 2-3 days
- Wash your mattress protector every two months
- Wash your duvet at least twice a year
How to clean a mattress
The best method for cleaning a mattress in Australia involves several steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your mattress:
- Vacuum: Use the softest setting on your vacuum cleaner (carpet or rugs) and run it slowly over the mattress to remove dust and dust mites. Pay special attention to the edges using the crevice tool. Consider flipping the mattress afterwards to prevent sagging.
- Bicarb soda: Sprinkle bicarb soda over the mattress and let it sit for 10 minutes to neutralise odours. Then, vacuum the bicarb soda thoroughly.
- Annual beating: Once a year, take the mattress outside, prop it against a wall, and beat it with a broom on both sides to freshen it up. Leave it in the sun for a few hours to naturally kill bacteria, but ensure it doesn’t rain to prevent it from getting too heavy.
- Additional cleaning: While the mattress is outside, vacuum the box spring. Lightly spritz the mattress with distilled white vinegar to help kill bacteria, mould, and discourage dust mites.
The easiest way to clean stains on a mattress
Treat any stain immediately. The longer liquids sit in a mattress, the likelier they are to foster mould and mildew growth.
Thankfully, there are a few different methods for removing stains from a mattress, with all products readily available in Australia. Nicole Gibson is the laundry queen at Söka Australia. She says the best way to clean stains from your mattress is by using her DIY laundry spray (get the recipe).
Sharing her tips on Instagram, Nicole says to spray the stain with her DIY spray and leave for five minutes.
- Wipe the stain with a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, you might give it a scrub with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse wipe with a clean microfiber cloth
- Repeat process as needed
- If, after a few attempts, this process doesn’t work, Nicole says to repeat the process using a spray of 100% sodium percarbonate.
The shaving cream method
Don’t have the above ingredients on hand? Try the shaving cream method.
What you’ll need:
- Shaving cream
- Water
- White vinegar
What to do:
- Apply shaving foam and leave for 15 minutes.
- Wipe with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
- If the stain has lifted, vacuum the bed quickly; otherwise, try our stubborn stain remedy.
For stubborn or old stains
What you’ll need:
- Bicarb Soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid dish soap
- Tea tree essential oils
What to do:
- Mix bicarb soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a dollop of liquid dish soap.
- Lightly dab onto the stain using a clean rag and leave it to dry before vacuuming.
How to get urine out of a mattress
You’ll need an enzyme cleaner for urine, faecal matter, or vomit (use it before trying other methods, as residue from other cleaners will kill the enzymes before they can work.)
Is the mattress worth cleaning?
Cleaning and replacing a mattress both have their benefits, depending on the condition of the mattress and individual circumstances:
Benefits of cleaning a mattress
- Cost-effective: Cleaning a mattress is generally more affordable than replacing it.
- Extended lifespan: Regular cleaning can extend the lifespan of a mattress by removing dust, allergens, and stains that could contribute to deterioration over time.
- Improved hygiene: Cleaning removes dirt, dust mites, and allergens, promoting a healthier sleep environment and reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
- Sustainability: Cleaning and maintaining a mattress contribute to sustainable living by reducing waste and the need for new purchases.
Benefits of replacing a mattress
- Freshness: A new mattress provides a fresh, clean sleep surface.
- Comfort and support: Mattresses may lose shape and support over time, leading to discomfort and poor sleep quality.
- Addressing damage: If a mattress is severely damaged, stained, or has structural issues that cleaning cannot resolve, replacing it may be the best option to ensure a good night’s sleep.
- Peace of mind: For some, sleeping on a brand-new, hygienic mattress outweighs the cost of cleaning and maintaining an older mattress.
More mattress cleaning tips
- Bad smells: A mixture of cornstarch and baking soda effectively combats odours. Sprinkle the blend onto the mattress, allowing it to absorb odours for a few hours, then vacuum it off.
- Sheet strategy: Optimise mattress freshness by adopting a strategic sheet-washing routine. Remove the bed linens in the morning and refrain from replacing them until the evening. This extended airing period allows the mattress to breathe and air out thoroughly.
- Pad it: Use mattress toppers not only for added comfort but also to maintain cleanliness. Toppers act as an additional barrier, shielding your mattress from spills, stains, and dust accumulation, making cleaning and upkeep more manageable.
- Go pro: For stubborn stains or deep cleaning needs, enlist the expertise of a professional mattress cleaning service. Prioritise professionals who use effective, eco-friendly steam cleaning methods. Consider pretreating stains with natural products before professional intervention for optimal results and minimal chemical exposure.
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